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$page->title = "The Most Wonderful &hellip; Time Of The Year";
$page->date = "2014/12/18";

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$page->blurb = 'It‘s the most wonderful… stressful, busy, crazy… time of the year!';

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<p>Dear NRHC Family,</p>

<p>It's the most wonderful…stressful, busy, crazy…time of the year!</p>

<p>This is an incredible time of the year. The music, the lights, the parties, the school programs…it's hard to believe 
we pack so much joy and celebration into such a short period of time. But it's often in the packing it all in that the 
most wonderful time of the year becomes the most stressful, busy, crazy time of the year.  </p>

<p>As I'm writing this, Christmas music is blaring in a crowded coffee shop full of people jockeying for a spot in line, 
voicing their frustrations, and trying to move as quickly as possible to the next big sale. What do you do when you feel 
overwhelmed? How do you keep your sanity and keep your focus on Jesus in the midst of such a hectic schedule and season?  
</p>

<p>I certainly don't have it all figured out. But I want to share a few bits of encouragement that you might find 
helpful: </p>

<ol>
<li><b>You don't have to do it all!</b> Your kids will not be scarred for life if they don't get or do everything the 
neighbors' kids get and do. You're not going to lose friends or get fired if you miss a Christmas party. Prioritize and 
plan some quiet nights at home. Leverage those nights at home to do a family devotion together, have a game night, make 
Christmas cookies, or watch a Christmas movie.  </li>

<li><b>Take some time for yourself.</b> If you're completely worn out and depleted, you will have nothing to offer your 
family, friends, co-workers, etc. Take some time to reflect, pray, read the Bible, exercise, etc. Talk about it with 
your spouse, plan it, put it on the calendar, and make it happen. Rest!  </li>

<li><b>Remember the point of the Christmas season - Jesus!</b> This is a season of joy and celebration because of what God 
has done for us in Christ. God came to us to rescue us from sin and death. Celebrate and reflect on His grace by making 
Sunday worship, family devotion/Bible reading, and Christmas Eve worship a priority for you and your family. <strong>Invite 
family/friends to come with you to Sunday worship and Christmas Eve at NRHC where they can hear and respond to the grace 
of God.</strong></li>

<li><b>Serve others!</b> There are literally countless opportunities for you and your family to serve this Christmas season. 
Serve a family you know that is in need, get involved at the Dream Center, get together with other families/friends and 
brainstorm how you can serve…the options are endless.  You can even serve by bringing hats, gloves, scarves, and jackets 
for <b>Operation Winter Warmth.</b></li>
</ol>

<p>This is by no means a perfect or exhaustive list. But I hope it's at least somewhat helpful. As your pastor, I care 
very much about you and your family and want this to be a season of joy and celebration for you.  </p>

<p>I'm looking forward to worship with you this Sunday and Christmas Eve. It's going to be a great time. Join us and 
bring people with you!</p>

<p>Until All Hear,<br> Jay</p>
